Brendan Farmer, the co-founder of Polygon, recently discussed the Polygon Aggregate Layer (AggLayer) in an interview with Cointelegraph. Farmer, who has a strong background in mathematics and cryptography, described the AggLayer as a way to reduce latency and secure cross-chain transactions.
Currently, there is a problem with Ethereum layer 2s (L2s) called fragmentation, with numerous L2s unable to accommodate the global demand for blockspace. When bridging assets, users receive wrapped synthetic versions instead of the actual assets on the destination chain. The AggLayer aims to solve this issue by allowing chains to safely use a shared bridge without relying on a layer 1 (L1) blockchain. It provides lower latency and faster interoperation between chains.
The Chain Development Kit (CDK) is an essential component of the AggLayer. It serves as the building blocks for the ecosystem, enabling anyone to create their own chain. The AggLayer then stitches these chains together, giving users a seamless experience as they navigate through the scalable space. In the future, developers will have the option to use different execution environments.
Establishing the AggLayer comes with inherent challenges, particularly in ensuring safe interoperability. Unlike other ecosystems, the AggLayer doesn’t require revenue or profit sharing to access its technology.
Looking ahead to 2025, the AggLayer has the potential to bring significant improvements and use cases. It can lower costs and scale up decentralized finance (DeFi), allowing for the onboarding of millions of users. Additionally, it enables the creation of chains with different virtual machines (VMs) or state models, providing flexibility and new opportunities for developers.
Zero-knowledge (ZK) technology has always interested Farmer due to his mathematical background. He was drawn to cryptography after the Snowden leaks, which highlighted the invasion of privacy. ZK technology offers a solution to reclaim privacy in financial transactions and internet usage, making it crucial in navigating financial privacy in the coming decades.